Given the importance of what they do and the controversies that often surround them, and the violent people they sometimes confront, it is remarkable that in the history of the USA only four active federal judges have been murdered. Judge Raymond Fawcett just became number five. His body was found in the small basement of a lakeside cabin he had built himself and frequently used on weekends. When he did not show up for a trial on Monday morning, his law clerks panicked, called the FBI, and in due course the agents found the crime scene. There was no forced entry, no struggle, just two dead bodies

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Publisher's Summary

Given the importance of what they do and the controversies that often surround them, and the violent people they sometimes confront, it is remarkable that in the history of the USA only four active federal judges have been murdered. Judge Raymond Fawcett just became number five. His body was found in the small basement of a lakeside cabin he had built himself and frequently used on weekends. When he did not show up for a trial on Monday morning, his law clerks panicked, called the FBI, and in due course the agents found the crime scene. There was no forced entry, no struggle, just two dead bodies - Judge Fawcett and his young secretary. I did not know Judge Fawcett, but I know who killed him, and why. I am a lawyer, and I am in prison. It's a long story.

The Racketeer kept me engaged throughout, yet as I listened I found myself waiting for drama that did not eventuate. Not that there wasn't drama in this book, it just wasn't as dramatic as I expected. I enjoyed the characters and the story, but found the surprise ending a bit unrewarding.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I haven't listened to a John Grisham for a while so had forgotten what a good storyteller he is. It had enough twists and turns to keep it really interesting . Definitely recommend.

This is not actually a 'legal thriller', more like "one man against the system". Our Hero tells the story of he schemed to get out of jail and this plot line climaxes about halfway though the book, so you know that there will be more twists in the tale. Without spoiling things too much, the second half of the book sees the tables turned as Our Hero goes on the offensive to try to get some satisfaction.I enjoyed the pacing, which made me want to listen just a little bit longer to see where the cunning plan was going. The narrator was good and I can recommend this as something in the genre that is also a little bit different.

Fine story and nice surprises. The twists are not entirely predictable yet there is a level of detail in the narrative, which leaves very few options for the final revelation. Massively entertaining; a perfect summer holiday listen.

I just listened to two other John Grisham books, The Firm and Sycamore Row, which I loved. However, The Racketeer is simply an ordinary story with juvenile dialog. There is no suspense and very little seems to happen. I didn't care what was going to happen and couldn't even finish it.

I enjoyed the listen but the pace of events was a little slow at times and this detracted from the enjoyment.

An interesting twist of events in the story that I hadn't seen coming from afar and the reading was very well done. I will need to check out other Grisham books before I know whether this pace is typical.

I eagerly awaited this release and was not disappointed. Brilliant story – I totally failed to see the final twist. Looking forward to the next novel.

22 of 22 people found this review helpful

Lynda

Beckenham, United Kingdom

12/31/12

Overall

"The Racketeer"

Excellent book and excellently read by J D Jackson! So many crime novels are predictable but this one absolutely wasn't. Also, it is quite rare I find to have a narrator who reads so well. Many authors are let down by their readers I think. There is a tendency (particularly with British narrators, I note) to read with a stereotyped stress pattern following a trend in broadcasting these days which lends to misunderstanding of the original meaning. They have a tendency to stress the wrong word eg she LIFTED up the book or she PULLED out the pack of cigarrettes ... infuriating! When American readers read badly it seems to be because they adopt a very bored sounding continuous drone. However, J D Jackson reads supremely well and is an example to follow! Enough ranting ... The story is well crafted, the story pulls you in and the reading is great

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Kirstine

Bonnyrigg, United Kingdom

12/24/12

Overall

"An enthralling story"

I've enjoyed many of Grisham's books and this is a cracker. It's an intriguing story with twists and turns and a surprising ending. The reader is good. Recommended.

10 of 11 people found this review helpful

Colin

WATFORD, United Kingdom

4/22/13

Overall

"Could do better..."

I'll admit I'm a fan of John Grisham's books and have several of his audiobooks. Such a shame then that this release wasn't up to his normal high standards. I guessed the plot and whodunnit very early on and was disappointed when I discovered I'd been right all along. (I usually NEVER guess the villain)

The overall story starts well but very soon starts to clog up with too many red herring characters and plot twists that don't actually go anywhere.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Carolyn

Gillitts, South Africa

4/13/13

Overall

"Not John Grisham's best"

This wasn't as gripping as other of his books I have read. Some of the detail of Federal law etc is lost a bit on someone who resides outside of the United States. Aspects of the witness protection program set up were interesting. Bit mundane

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Linda

London, United Kingdom

1/1/13

Overall

"Nicely paced, well read story"

Whilst I did foresee the main twist to this story right at the very beginning that did not detract in any way from my enjoyment of this audible book. This is a very good listen and the twists and detail that I had not foreseen added far greater depth to the plot. This is my 2nd Grisham audible and the 1st by this reader - both suit me very well.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Mariborn

Cholargos, Greece

12/23/12

Overall

"A Great Thriller by John Grisham once again"

John Grisham did his miracle again. And J.D.Jackson delivered it. Very interesting plot, with unexpected twists - finally a thriller with an end I could never guess.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Ateshe

Bois de Lessines, Belgium

12/23/12

Overall

"Great start!"

I started my Audible experience with this choice. I'm hooked! Beautifully narrated, I couldn't wait to get a chance to listen. I highly recommend it.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Patricia

Kingsbridge, United Kingdom

5/5/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Couldn't stop listening!"

I'd given up on John Grisham books quite a while ago as they became very similar in structure. This is a departure from his usual lawyer-based theme and is a really absorbing story with an excellent narrator. You won't be disappointed.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Helen

United Kingdom

4/7/13

Overall

"A bit long winded"

This book is well read but I found it a bit too meandering. If I lost total concentration (which I tend to do) I would sometimes be completely lost with what was going on and have to rewind it! After keeping going I did find the last quarter of the book did grab me but I could of done without a lot of the first three quarters.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

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